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"TIA LUPE
MAR 22 i937
4
Strolling aimlessly through the alaost deserted streets of thip little
village of Scrdova,one afternoon,' stopped in the open doorway of "Tie
Lkipe's" one room ad dbe home. there was a storm coming upsons of those sane
times violent elootrioal mountain storms following on a spell of hot weather.
I was shocked and surprised to see this pious old lady engaged in a
sacrilegious act so contrary to my knowledge of her simple and sincere love
and veneration for the saints. With a very blunt butcher knife she was en-
deavcrimg to slice a portionslengthwisesfron the side of a bulto or wooden
-figure of tamta Barbara. This battered figure showed signs of previous nut..
ilAtiens of like mature and a rich resinous odor was released in the little
room by this recent operationiwbieh had been successfully concluded before
had gotten ester my surprise.
Guadalupe Martinez ct "Tie Lupe" as she was known to everybody in
Cordema,after a few years of service in the households of "rioce" in banta
Peohad retired to her almost cell-like room in this little town. Here she
lived a simple and pious life helping her neighbors in their many honely
tasks in return for gifts of food and wood. One of her chief dutiessbeeause
of the proxinity of her house to the ohnrohiwas the care of keys to the
church. °Tter the monthly visit of the priest fron Santa Cruz and after other
services held theresher's was the self-appointed task of °leaning and dust-
ing the church. Her attitude towards the figures of different saints in their
"niches" and around the altar, was one of reverent and understanding ocapan-
ionship. rhile arranging their tunics and adornments she would audibly ad-
mire the new attire of onesaddress a supplication to another in behalf of
scree one in the villagesand with another saint she might even advance a ten-
tative bargain of a pair of candles or a new dress in return for same small
favor.
So with a surprised" wue tier° Tie "Mat are you doing with pear
Santa Barbara. he will punish you for mal-treating her se.
Ee hijo CCCO in and I will show you what I am doing." As I stepped in
through the door the storm broke outside and a flash of lightning lit up
the little roan. "Maria Santissima y Santa Barbara nos libre" was Via
Lupo's audible prayer."Bee now I will protect my littlecasita" and all
in it fret the lightning." Bo saying the old lady stooped over and placed
the sliver of wood from the saints figure in the fire -place. The bed of
coals already there ignited the-rioh pitch pine sliver making a bright li
little blazs. Making the sign of the cross *while her lips mewed in a sil-
ent prayer Tia lupe next seated herself on a wooden bench in the fire -side
corner. after she had rolled a corn -husk cigarette she made the following
observations. Santa Barbara should be prayed to in time of sterns but
in the way I have shown you she is more sure protection. For many years I
guarded myself and "casita" in time of storms in the way I have shown you.
When padre Ramon tads* to romans Santa Barbara fron the altar to make
way for a new sante given by Qon Mattes,' brought her hale. I told Santa
Barbara how 1 was going to use her and ever since she has been my sure
protection." So that was the explanation I received for that seeming ir-
reverent treatment of the saints image.
Butdon't the saints punish us acme times e asked wiehir* to hear
the other side of this interesting question. The blessed saints de
punish as well as protect so we must be careful haw we speak of them and
treat them" was my answer tram this interesting character.
Contimaing after a Sheet pause daring which she ohuckled to herselfsher
winkled five lighting up with a smile.
.ever tell ypa about the "borraohos"(lit. drunks) and the new
made saittS or bultos"?
lifter I had denied recialection of the tale and had expressed a
desire to hoar it's:he related the following humorous incident.
You know "Shoe (Enoarnacion) Aragon's father was a 'enter.
maker of saints ),and ono day when I was helping his wife grind corn-
meaLlanuel had just finished two large"bultos". I do not remember who
they were,but he had stood them in the sun to 'y just out side his
dew. shortly after two"borraohos"Aboth dead new, Que en pas deecansen"
Way they rest in peace) CAMO by. they wore arm in arm,"haoiendo dos
veredas" (trying to follow twt trailsoie staggering).
ens of them saw the bulteeand half surprised wide Mira quo
*antes tan endemoniados de grandes"(Look what demoniacally large saints.)
Eis companion locked over and said;talla,que no stbes que los
santos son el diablo pare oastigar (Iiusholonit you know that the
saints are the very devil kV to punish one.)
Greatly amused by the tale I left Ti., lupe's fire -side knowing
that I would return often to listen to her very amusing and interesting
conversation.
L,W•Br awn
Ca' cloys s'N.1.